U.S. patent number 4,219,333 [Application Number 05/922,441] was granted by the patent office on 1980-08-26 for carbonated cleaning solution.
Invention is credited to Robert D. Harris.
United States Patent |
4,219,333 |
Harris |
August 26, 1980 |
**Please see images for:
( Reexamination Certificate ) ** |
Carbonated cleaning solution
Abstract
An aqueous cleaning composition containing 0.1-5 percent of a
detergent which may be nonionic or anionic, 0-1 percent of one or
more alkaline builder salts and 0-5 percent of a volatile organic
solvent wherein the cleaning solution is carbonated with carbon
dioxide and maintained at a pressure of from about 1 to 10
atmospheres.
Inventors: |
Harris; Robert D. (Sacramento,
CA) |
Family
ID: |
25447054 |
Appl.
No.: |
05/922,441 |
Filed: |
July 3, 1978 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
8/137; 510/278;
510/279; 510/280; 510/426; 510/432; 510/510; 510/512; 8/149.1;
8/661 |
Current CPC
Class: |
C11D
3/0031 (20130101); C11D 3/0052 (20130101); C11D
17/0043 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
C11D
17/00 (20060101); C11D 17/00 (20060101); C11D
3/00 (20060101); C11D 3/00 (20060101); B08B
003/00 (); C11D 003/00 () |
Field of
Search: |
;8/137,1XB,137,149.1
;252/139,157 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Other References
Hackh's Chemical Dictionary, Fourth Edition, (McGraw-Hill), p.
230..
|
Primary Examiner: Clingman; A. Lionel
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Criddle & Western
Claims
I claim:
1. An aqueous cleaning composition containing from about 0.1 to 5.0
percent by weight of one or more nonionic or anionic surfactants
wherein the composition is carbonated and maintained at a pressure
of from about 1 to 10 atmospheres.
2. An aqueous cleaning composition according to claim 1 wherein the
composition is carbonated by subjecting the composition to gaseous
carbon dioxide under pressure.
3. An aqueous cleaning composition according to claim 1 wherein the
composition is carbonated by subjecting the composition to solid
carbon dioxide under pressure.
4. An aqueous cleaning composition according to claim 1 which
additionally contains from about 0.01 to 1.0 percent of an alkaline
builder salt.
5. An aqueous cleaning composition according to claim 4 wherein the
alkaline builder salt is selected from the group consisting of
alkali metal silicates, phosphates, carbonates and borates.
6. An aqueous cleaning composition according to claim 1 which
additionally contains from about 0.1 to 5.0 percent by weight of a
volatile organic solvent having a boiling point below about
100.degree. C.
7. An aqueous cleaning composition according to claim 6 wherein the
volatile organic solvent is a member selected from the group
consisting of halogenated hydrocarbons having from one to three
carbon atoms, lower alkyl ethers having one ether linkage and
unsubstituted hydrocarbons.
8. An aqueous cleaning composition according to claim 7 wherein the
volatile organic solvent is methylene chloride.
9. An aqueous cleaning composition according to claim 1 wherein the
surfactant is nonionic.
10. A method of cleaning textile fibers which comprises contacting
the fibers with a carbonated aqueous cleaning solution having a
nonionic or anionic surfactant concentration of between about 0.1
and 5.0 percent by weight.
11. A method of cleaning textile fibers according to claim 10 which
comprises applying the carbonated aqueous cleaning solution to the
textile fibers as a pressurized spray.
12. A method of cleaning textile fibers according to claim 11 which
comprises the steps of placing an uncarbonated aqueous cleaning
solution into a container capable of being pressurized, introducing
carbon dioxide into the container which is maintained at a pressure
of between about 1 and 10 atmospheres and applying the pressurized
carbonated cleaning solution to the textile fibers.
13. A method of cleaning textile fibers according to claim 12
wherein the textile fibers are in the form of a carpet.
14. A method of cleaning textile fibers according to claim 13
wherein the aqueous cleaning solution is carbonated by means of
pressurized gaseous carbon dioxide.
15. A method of cleaning textile fibers according to claim 13
wherein the aqueous cleaning solution is carbonated by means of
solid carbon dioxide.
16. A method of cleaning textile fibers according to claim 14 which
comprises mechanically working the carbonated cleaning solution
into the fibers and subsequently removing the cleaning solution
which is not evaporated from the fibers.
17. A method of cleaning textile fibers according to claim 15
wherein the carbonated aqueous cleaning solution also contains
about 0.01 to 1.0 percent by weight of an alkaline builder
salt.
18. A method of cleaning textile fibers according to claim 15
wherein the carbonated aqueous cleaning solution also contains
about 0.1 to 5.0 percent by weight of a volatile organic solvent
having a boiling point below about 100.degree. C.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to carbonated cleaning solutions. More
particularly, this invention relates to carbonated cleaning
solutions having the ability to penetrate textile fibers and
dissolve and/or lift both inorganic and organic materials from the
fibers.
There are myriad types of cleaning solutions on the market for
cleaning textile fibers such as carpets. Various processes such as
dry cleaning, steam cleaning and shampooing take advantage of
different types and kinds of cleaning solutions. Volatile petroleum
based hydrocarbons are used in dry cleaning processes. Steam
cleaning and shampooing may utilize one or more of the many soaps
and synthetic detergents in an aqueous solution. Detergents may be
classified as regular, industrial or high strength and are
categorized as cationic, anionic or nonionic.
Each type of cleaning solution is formulated to loosen and disperse
the soil from the textile fibers either physically or by chemical
reaction. The soil can then be solubilized or suspended in such a
manner that it can be removed from the fibers being cleaned.
Typically, soils refer to both organic and inorganic matter that
comes in contact with the fibers and adheres thereto. Dirt
particles, greases, oils, foods, cosmetics and paints are
representative of the materials hereinafter referred to as "soils"
that work their way onto and into various textile fibers.
Various types of fibers are used in making carpets. Wool is by far
the most prevalent natural material used although a certain amount
of cotton is also employed in washable carpet materials. Synthetic
fibers may be made of a variety of different chemicals. Polyamide
fibers such as the nylons are commonly used as are polyesters.
Some types of fibers are more absorbent to one particular type of
soil than another. Soils in the form of particulate matter lodge at
the base of the carpet, for example, and are very difficult to
remove as by vacuuming or treatment with a cleaning solution. These
particules are a cause of excessive carpet wear since they tend to
damage fibers when pressure is placed between the particle and the
fiber as by someone walking over a carpet or by a piece of
furniture placed on the carpet. Other soils such as oils and fats
adhere to the fibers and work their way between fiber strands.
Other types of soils are absorbed by such fats and oils causing the
carpets to stain or look dirty.
One of the basic drawbacks to many cleaning compositions is that,
while apparently loosening and dispersing the soil, they fail to
pick up and retain the soil and it is redeposited as the cleaning
solution is removed from the surface being cleaned. It is also
difficult to remove all of the detergent from the fiber surface
such as in carpets, even when rinsing with large amounts of water
or steam. As a result the carpet fibers become tacky from the film
of detergent on them. This attracts and retains soil so the net
effect is a cleaned carpet that will soil more easily after a
cleaning than prior thereto.
Various methods have been proposed to prevent carpet from
resoiling. Embrittling agents have been used in cleaning
compositions to embrittle the surfactant and render the fiber
surface non-tacky. Alumina, in various forms, has been proposed as
an anti-soil reagent as have certain polymers such as carboxy
methyl cellulose. While somewhat successful, there still remains a
need for a cleaning composition and method which will efficiently
clean and effectively remove soil from textile fibers without
causing a resoiling problem.
Many cleaning solutions are quite alkaline and damage to fibers may
occur when using too strong a detergent concentration. Also the
large amounts of water required in most carpet cleaning operations
cause the carpet and often the pad under the carpet to become
saturated with water. Long periods of time are required for drying.
Portions of the carpet which are inadequately dried may result in
rotting or decomposition of the fibers.
OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to provide a cleaning
composition which effectively and efficiently removes soil from
textile fibers which also acts as an anti-soil reagent.
It is a further object of this invention to provide a novel
cleaning composition which rapidly penetrates textile fibers
removing the soil therefrom with a lifting action.
Another object of the invention is to provide a cleaning
composition which rapidly penetrates textile fibers removing the
soil therefrom with a lifting action.
Another object of the invention is to provide a cleaning
composition which causes no damage to textile fibers and which can
be rapidly removed therefrom without leaving a residue thereon.
A still further object of this invention is to provide a method of
cleaning textile fibers utilizing a minimal amount of an aqueous
cleaning solution.
Yet another object of this invention is to provide a method of
cleaning textile fibers which is fast drying and which does not
leave a chemical residue upon the fibers when dried.
A different object of this invention is to provide a method of
cleaning textile fibers with a non-toxic, non-imflammable cleaning
solution which rapidly penetrates such fibers and which is easily
removed from such fibers having a soil repellant effect
thereon.
These and other objects are accomplished by means of an aqueous
cleaning composition comprising 0.1-5 percent by weight of an
anionic or nonionic detergent, 0-1 percent by weight of one or more
alkaline builder salts and 0-5 percent by weight of a volatile
organic solvent wherein the solution is carbonated with carbon
dioxide and maintained at a pressure of from about 1 to 10
atmospheres. A method of utilizing the carbonated cleaning
composition for cleaning carpets, upholstery and other textile
fibers by applying the cleaning solution to the fibers is also part
of this invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Suitable detergents for use in the present invention comprise
primarily any of the nonionic and anionic surfactants. The nonionic
detergents seem to be preferable for purposes of carbonation. While
typical nonionic and anionic detergents are enumerated herein it is
to be emphasized that there are literally thousands of detergent
mixtures or combinations and the recital of a representative number
is not meant to be a limitation as to the scope of the invention.
Moreover, two or more of the formulations listed could be used in
combination as well as separately.
One suitable class of nonionic detergents is the alkyl
phenol-ethylene oxide condensates having the formula: ##STR1##
wherein R is an alkyl group having from nine to twelve carbon atoms
and n is an integer of from eight to fourteen. Typical examples
include dodecyl phenol condensed with an average of ten moles of
ethylene oxide sold commercially as "Sterox DJ", nonyl phenol
condensed with an average of nine or ten moles of ethylene oxide
sold commercially as "Triton N101", "Igepal CO-630" and "Tergitol
NPX" and dodecyl phenol condensed with an average of fifteen moles
of ethylene oxide.
Another nonionic detergent class are the polyoxyalkylene alkanols
having the empirical formula:
wherein b is an integer from 26 to 30 and a plus c is an integer
such that the molecule contains from 0 percent to 20 percent of
ethylene oxide. Typical examples thereof include "Pluronic L-61"
where b is an integer from 26 to 30 and a plus c is an integer such
that the molecule contains from 10 percent to 20 percent of
ethylene oxide and "Pluronic L-60" where b is an integer from 26 to
30 and a plus c is zero so that the molecule is all
polyoxypropylene. These detergents are low sudsing.
Another class of nonionic detergents include condensation products
of a fatty alcohol with ethylene oxide to produce compounds having
the formula:
wherein R is an alkyl group containing from 10 to 20 carbon atoms
and is preferably a straight chain alkyl group, and n is an integer
of from 6 to 14. The alkyl content of these compositions can vary
from 10 to 20 carbon atoms within the same mixture due to methods
of manufacture. Therefore, the detergent will usually be one
containing mixed alkyl groups. The same is true for the ethylene
oxide groups and thus, ethylene oxide chains having different
lengths will be produced within the same mixture. Typical products
include Neodol 25-7 and Neodol 45-11 (Shell Chemical Company)
wherein R is mixed alkyl from 12 to 15 and 14 and 15 carbon atoms
respectively and n is an average of 11 and Plurofac B-26 (Wyandotte
Chemical Co.) which is a linear alcohol reacted with a mixture of
ethylene and propylene oxides.
Exemplary anionic materials are the water-soluble, straight and
branched chain alkylarly sulfonates, particularly the alkyl benxene
sulfonates, wherein the alkyl group contains from about 8 to 15
carbon atoms, the lower aryl or hydrotropic sulfonates such as
sodium zylene sulfonate; the olefin sulfonates, such as those
produced by sulfonating a C.sub.10 to C.sub.20
straight-chained-olefin; hydroxy C.sub.10 to C.sub.24 alkyl
sulfonates; water-soluble alkyl disulfonates containing from about
10 to 24 carbon atoms; the normal and secondary higher alkyl
detergents; particularly those having about 8 to 15 carbon atoms in
the alkyl residue such as lauryl or coconut fatty alcohol sulfate;
sulfuric acid esters of polyhydric alcohols partially esterified
with higher fatty acids such as coconut oil, monoglyceride,
monosulfate, coconut, ethanolamide sulfate, lauric acid amide or
taurine and the like; the various soaps or salts of fatty acids
containing from 8 to 22, particularly 10 to 18, carbon atoms, such
as the sodium, potassium, ammonium and lower alkanol-amine,
particularly mono-, di- and tri-ethanolamine salts of fatty acids
such as stearic acid, oleic acid, coconut fatty acid, fatty acids
derived from palm oil, soybean oil, tallow and the like.
Particularly preferred anionic surfactants include the fatty
alcohol and ether alcohol sulfates and the sodium salts of fatty
acids containing from about 10 to 18 carbon atoms.
The composition of the present invention also includes an anionic
detergent which is a sulfated ethoxylated higher fatty alcohol of
the formula RO(C.sub.2 H.sub.4 O).sub.n- SO.sub.3 M wherein R is a
fatty alkyl of from 10 to 20 carbon atoms, n is from 2 to 6, and M
is a solubilizing salt-forming cation such as an alkali metal,
ammonium, lower alkylamino or lower alkanolamino. The fatty alkyl
may be terminally joined to the polyxyethylene chain, which, of
course, is terminally joined to the sulfur-forming sulfate
group.
The ethylene oxide content of the anionic detergent is such that n
is from 2 to 6 and is preferably from 2 to 4, generally averaging
from 3, especially when R is a mixed 12 to 15 carbon atom alkyl. To
maintain a desired hydrophilic-lipophilic balance, when the carbon
content of the alkyl chain is in the lower portion of the 10 to 20
range, the ethylene oxide content might be reduced do that n is
about 2, whereas when R is of 16 to 18 carbon atoms, n may be from
4 to 6. The salt forming cation may be any suitable solubilizing
metal or radical but will most frequently be alkali metal or
ammonium. If alkylamine or lower alkanolamine groups are present,
alkyls and alkanols thereof will usually contain one to four carbon
atoms and the amines and alkanolamines may be mono-, di or
tri-substituted, e.g., monoethanolamine, diisopropanbolamine,
tri-methylamine.
One suitable anionic composition is available from Shell Chemical
Company and is identified by them as Neodol 25-3S, the sodium salt,
normally sold as a 60 percent active material, including about 40
percent of aqueous solvent medium of which a minor proportion is
ethanol. Although Neodol 25-3S is sodium salt, the potassium salt
and other suitable soluble salts may also be used either in partial
or complete substitution for that of sodium.
Examples of the higher alcohol polyethenoxy sulfates which may be
used as the anionic constituent of the present composition include:
mixed C.sub.12-15 normal primary alkyl triethenoxy sulfate, sodium
salt; myristyl triethenoxy sulfate, potassium salt; n-decyl
diethenoxy sulfate, diethanolamine salt, lauryl diethenoxy sulfate,
ammonium salt; palmityl tetraethenoxy sulfate, sodium salt; mixed
C.sub.14-15 normal primary alkyl mixed tri- and tetra-ethenoxy
sulfate, sodium salt; stearyl pantaethenoxy sulfate, trimethylamine
salt and mixed C.sub.10-18 normal alkyl triethenoxy sulfate,
potassium salt. Minor proportions of the corresponding branched
chain and medially alkoxylated compound such as those described
above but modified to have ethoxylation at a medial carbon atom,
e.g., one located four carbons from the end of the chain, may be
employed but the carbon atom content of the higher alkyl will be
the same. Similarly, the joinder of a normal alkyl may be at a
secondary carbon one or two carbon atoms removed from the end of
the chain. Most commercially available laundry detergents are
believed to be anionic alkyl aryl sulfonates.
The alkaline builder salts which can be employed in the cleaning
compositions include alkali metal silicates, phosphates, carbonates
and borates and, to a lesser extent, alkali metal hydroxides.
Typical of the alkaline builder salts are sodium orthosilicate,
sodium metasilicate, sodium carbonate, trisodium phosphate, sodium
tripolyphosphate, tetrasodium pyrophosphate, sodium
hexametaphosphate and sodium tetraborate. Mixtures of two or more
of the alkaline builder salts are often used advantageously to
impart desired properties to detergent formulation such as pH and
corrosion control.
A volatile hydrocarbon solvent may be used to aid in dissolving
organic soils and promote drying. Typical classes of solvents
include halogenated hydrocarbons, lower alkyl ethers containing one
or two ether linkages and unsubstituted hydrocarbons all of which
have a boiling point below 100.degree. C.
The halogenated hydrocarbon solvents having the requisite
volatility and chemical stability are the polyhalogenated lower
alkyl materials having from one to five carbon atoms and preferably
from one to three carbon atoms. Typical of such materials are
1,1-dichloro ethane, 1,2-dichloro ethane, dichloro methane, dibromo
methane, 1,1-dichloro ethylene, 1,2-dichloro ethylene, 1,1-dichloro
propane, 1,2-dichloro propane, 2,2-dichloro propane, 1,1-dichloro
propylene-1, 1,2-dichloro propylene-1, 1,2-dichloro propylene-2,
chloroform, 1,1,1-trichloro ethane, trichloroethylene and carbon
tetrachloride.
The lower alkyl ethers may have alkyl groups ranging from one to
four carbon atoms and have a single ether linkage. Typical of such
ethers are diethyl ether, dipropyl ether, diisopropyl ether,
methylpropylether, ethylpropyl ether, methylbutyl ether, ethylbutyl
ether, diallyl ether, allylethyl ether, allypropyl ether and
allylisopropyl ether.
Alkyl ethers having multiple ether linkages or free hydroxyl groups
which are water soluble are wetting agents and may be added to
assist the detergent action, especially of the nonionic
surfactants. Typical of such wetting agents are the dialkyl ethers
of glycol such as the diethyl ether of ethylene glycol.
Unsubstituted hydrocarbon solvents such as benzene, heptane and
hexane may be used but are highly flammable and are therefore less
preferred.
Other additives commonly found in commercial detergent compositions
may also be utilized without departing from the scope of this
invention. These include foaming agents, bleaches, optical
brighteners, fillers, plasticizers, dyes, fragrances, anti-soil
reagents, antiseptics, germicides and the like.
Essential to the proper functioning of the aqueous cleaning
compositions is the carbonation. It is believed that the
carbonation of the aqueous cleaning solutions described herein is
the key to rapid, thorough cleaning of carpets and the like without
leaving a detergent residue on the textile fiber. Obviously,
carbonation of aqueous solutions is minimal at atmospheric pressure
as is exhibited by opening a container of a carbonated beverage and
letting it stand. The carbonation soon leaves the beverage in the
container. The same is true with cleaning compositions. Therefore
it is preferred that carbonation be carried out under a gauge
pressure of from 1 to 10 atmospheres or from about 14.7 to 147
psig. Higher pressures may be utilized but are not considered
necessary.
While chemical carbonation is possible by mixing such reagents as
sodium bicarbonate and an acid together in the cleaning solution it
is preferred to inject carbon dioxide directly into the cleaning
solution in a pressure container such as a sprayer. The cleaning
solution is prepared and diluted to the proper concentration in a
vessel or container capable of being maintained under pressure. The
amount or degree of carbonation will be a function of the pressure
in the container and the amount of carbon dioxide supplied to the
container. Preferably the carbon dioxide is fed from a pressurized
cylinder directly into a spray tank which is put under pressure. If
desired solid carbon dioxide, i.e. dry ice, may be used as a source
of carbonation. An advantage of using a pressurized cylinder is
that the CO.sub.2 feed can be controlled and monitored.
Carbonation of the cleaning solution and application of such
solution to a carpet or other fiberous materials is carried out at
ambient temperatures. It is evident that at higher pressures the
degree of carbonation will be greater than at lower pressures.
Prior to carbonation the cleaning solution will have an alkaline pH
and is preferably buffered at a pH of between about 9 and 12 by
standard acid-base buffering agents. At an alkaline pH the cleaning
solution may adversely affect certain textile fibers. However, upon
carbonation, the pH of the cleaning solution is lowered by the
formation of carbonic acid such that the pH, at the time the
carbonated solution is applied to the textile fiber, is essentially
neutral.
The carbonated cleaning solution breaks into myriad tiny
effervescent white foam bubbles when applied to a carpet or similar
material and rapidly penetrates the textile fibers. Comparable
tests with both uncarbonated and carbonated cleaning solutions have
demonstrated that the carbonated solutions penetrate and clean a
tightly woven carpet approximately 50 percent faster and better
than the uncarbonated cleaner. Moreover carpets, when cleaned with
the carbonated solution do not resoil as rapidly as carpets cleaned
with uncarbonated solutions.
While not fully understood and not wanting to be limited to any
theory, it is believed that the carbonation of the aqueous solution
results in a rapid lifting action due to the multitude of
effervescent bubbles. The soil is stripped off the textile fibers
by chemical or physical means and is lifted to the surface by the
bubbles. Dirt particles can be easily removed from the top of the
carpet or other textile surface in a conventional manner. The
effervescent bubbles promote rapid drying of the fibers and
evaporation of the cleaning solution along with dissolved soils
into the atmosphere. Because the CO.sub.2 bubbles promote rapid
drying, little or no cleaning solution is left on the fibers
thereby imparting a soil resistant quality to the cleaned fibers.
It is also believed that the bubbling action of the cleaning
solution enhances the cleaning ability of the surfactants.
The following examples are presented to illustrate the invention
and are not to be considered as self limiting as to the scope of
the invention.
EXAMPLE I
An aqueous detergent concentrate was prepared by mixing the
following ingredients:
______________________________________ Component % Weight
______________________________________ Surfactant A.sup.1
(nonionic) 2.0 Surfactant B.sup.2 (nonionic) 1.0 Fragrance 0.1
Optical Brightener 0.05 Bleach 0.05 Sodium Carbonate 0.75 Sodium
Tripolyphosphate 0.1 Sodium Metasilicate 0.1 Dye trace Acid-Base
Buffer (pH 11-12) 0.05 Water 95.8
______________________________________ .sup.1 Triton N101 (nonyl
Phenoxy polyethoxy ethanol containing 9-10 mole of ethylene oxide)
.sup.2 Triton CF10 (benzyl ether of Phenol condensed with ethylene
oxide)
The above concentrate was diluted with four parts of water to one
part of concentrate and transferred to a spray can. The can was
pressurized to a pressure of about 62 psig and carbon dioxide was
injected through a quick-coupler located at the base of the
sprayer. The CO.sub.2 was passed through multiple air jets below
the solution surface and fanned out for absorption into the
cleaning solution. The sprayer was shaken to provide a uniform
degree of carbonation and the CO.sub.2 source was disconnected.
The carbonated aqueous solution was sprayed directly onto a carpet
made from a blend of wool and nylon which had been soiled with mud,
used motor oil, cocoa and lipstick. The solution emerged from the
sprayer as a very active effervescent, white, frothy, foam which
rapidly penetrated into the carpet. The carpet was brushed with
fabric discs and the foam and the remaining solution was removed by
a wet-dry vacuum. The carpet dried rapidly and no traces of the
soil could be seen. After several months of heavy foot traffic no
respotting or resoiling could be seen where the original soil had
been placed.
EXAMPLE 2
The following concentrate, while very effective, was rather
difficult to prepare and had to be formulated using the steps as
outlined.
Into a one gallon container was placed 2,000 mls of water to which
was added 100 mls of a nonionic condensation product of a mixed
fatty alcohol having 14-15 carbons with ethylene oxide to produce a
polyethoxylated alkanol having an average of 11 ethylene oxide
units. (Neodol 45-11). The mixture was thoroughly agitated. There
was then added 40 mls of a nonionic surfactant consisting of a
polyoxyalkylene alkanol having 26 to 30 units of propylene oxide
condensed with ethylene oxide such that the molecule contained
10-20 percent ethylene oxide. (Pluronic L-61). The mixture was
again agitated whereupon 60 mls of ethylene glycol diethyl ether
was added as a wetting agent. After a thorough mixing, 150 mls of
methylene chloride was added and the solution was agitated until
milky in color. Water was then added to make one gallon of
concentrate. One part of concentrate was diluted with three parts
water and was transferred to a pressure sprayer and carbonated with
carbon dioxide under a pressure of about 88 psig. Application of
this formulation to a soiled carpet in the manner described in
Example 1 produced the same excellent results. The carpet dried
very rapidly due to the presence of methylene chloride in addition
to the carbonation and left no noticeable residue as evidenced by
the lack of resoiling over a period of time.
EXAMPLE 3
A concentrate was prepared containing 2.5 percent of dodecyl phenol
condensed with ten moles of ethylene oxide (Sterox DJ) and 2.5
percent of an ethoxylated vegetable oil (Emulphor EL-620) which was
diluted with water at a ratio of one part concentrate to five parts
water. Carbonation under a pressure of about 75 psig resulted in a
solution that was very effervescent when applied via a spray nozzle
to a carpet surface. The carbon dioxide helped remove the aqueous
solution from the fibers resulting in rapid drying of the clean
carpet.
Other formulations were prepared using commercial anionic
detergents (Tide, Bold, Cheer etc.) in concentrations of about 1 to
5 percent by weight. Each solution was carbonated as in the above
examples. The results obtained in each case were superior to
comparable results obtained with the same formulation in an
uncarbonated state.
The above examples are illustrative of the claimed invention.
However, the scope of the invention is to be limited only by the
appended claims.
* * * * *